In the Star Wars movies, Darth Vader represented the dark side of human nature. As believers we try to stay away from the dark side of our lives. We want everyday to be so in love with the Lord and so close to our God. We want to blurt out like Peter, "even if everyone else leaves you, Jesus, I will never leave you." That is a wonderful thought. However, we all know that just a few hours later, Peter fell prey to his dark side and denied Christ three times. Peter's "I'll never leave you" turned into "I never knew the man."
The hymn writer wrote "Prone to wander, Lord I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love." Every christian I have known faces that struggle. The question that has haunted me and possibly you is "How can I as a christian who is saved from sin, turn around and serve sin?"
On January 6th, we will start a new series of messages during the Bible study time exploring the side of our lives that needs the light of Christ to dispel the darkness. Some topics we will be looking at include:
The Christian and Sin
The Biblical Analysis of Pride
When Lust Rears Its Ugly Head
What About Abortion?
What Do We Do About Sexual Offenders?
Spiritual Life Cleansing
Curing Death
How to Gain Eternal Life
Every Life has Sharp Curves
God's Sovereignty
What Delivers us from Despair?
God's Grace
I hope you will join me for this unique series starting this Wednesday night, January 6, 2010. May we learn together how God's light dispels the darkness.
Visit our website to download or listen to all of the messages in Pastor Osborne's Defeating the Dark Side series.
Change a Diaper - I was stunned recently. I was in a conversation with some men whose children are grown and out of the house. One remarked how he had never changed any of his kids' diapers. Now I realize that 30 years ago was a different time, but come on!!! Not one diaper!?!?
Guys, things are different today. Having kids means changing diapers. Refusing to change diapers is totally unkind. Every once and a while, when the aroma hits your nose - Be a man. Be kind to your wife and change the diaper. Better yet, change the diaper with a good attitude. Don't complain.
Just remember that it's not about the diaper. It's about being kind to your wife.
Real men change diapers. Real men are kind. Be a real man.
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:1-7 NKJV)
Most Christians know the passage in Luke 2 about the birth of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Many others have heard that passage read each Christmas. The birth of Jesus, who was born to die. "Although our first picture of Jesus is as a baby in a manger, it must not be our last. The Christ child in the manger is the subject of a beautiful Christmas scene, but we must not leave him there. This tiny, helpless baby lived an amazing life, died for us, ascended to heaven, and will return to earth as King of kings. Christ will rule the world and judge all people according to their decisions about him. Do you still picture Jesus as a baby in a manger—or is he your Lord? Make sure you don't underestimate Jesus. Let him grow up in your life." (Life Application Study Bible)
Joseph and Mary were not so poor that they could not afford a room at the end, but "there was no room for them in the inn." Because of the registrations going on, each had to show up in their own city. According to the Jewish mode of registration the people would be enrolled by tribe, families or clans, and households. "But David occasionally went and returned from Saul to feed his father's sheep at Bethlehem." (1 Samuel 17:15 NKJV).
Micah prophesied in Micah 5:2:
But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
"This mention of the manger is the basis for the traditional belief that Jesus was born in a stable. Stables were often caves with feeding troughs (mangers) carved into the rock walls. Despite popular Christmas card pictures, the surroundings were dark and dirty. This was not the atmosphere the Jews expected as the birthplace of the Messiah-King. They thought their promised Messiah would be born in royal surroundings. We should not limit God by our expectations. He is at work wherever he is needed in our sin-darkened and dirty world." (Life Application Study Bible)
All of the above was to set the location for the manger and why in my imagination, I believe birds would have been around the manger. There are no verses in the Bible to show there were birds there, nor are there any to show that lambs, cows, or horse were there either, as depicted in our Christmas scenes. So, here is what birds I think may have been there at Jesus' birth.
Doves - "You who dwell in Moab, Leave the cities and dwell in the rock, And be like the dove which makes her nest In the sides of the cave's mouth." (Jeremiah 48:28 NKJV)
Turtledoves - The flowers appear on the earth; The time of singing has come, And the voice of the turtledove Is heard in our land." (Song of Solomon 2:12 NKJV)
Sparrows and Swallows- "How lovely is Your tabernacle, O LORD of hosts! My soul longs, yes, even faints For the courts of the LORD; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, And the swallow a nest for herself, Where she may lay her young— Even Your altars, O LORD of hosts, My King and my God." (Psalms 84:1-3 NKJV) If they wanted to be at the altars or house of God, then surely, they wanted to be near their Creator.
Chickens and Roosters - "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! (Matthew 23:37 NKJV) and Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." (Matthew 26:34 NKJV) Cave or Stable, there had to be Chickens, Hens, and Roosters.
Ravens - Who provides food for the raven, When its young ones cry to God, And wander about for lack of food? (Job 38:41 NKJV) They wanted to be near the One who has been feeding them. I would think, in my "sanctified imagination," that since the Lord created everything, birds included, that they might have been eager to see their Creator. Many humans failed to recognize Him while He was on earth, but I think the critters knew who He was. For example, the un-ridden donkey the Lord rode on. There is no report of it trying to buck or misbehave. It knew!
There are more kinds of birds that might have been there, but I will leave those to your imagination. Have a Merry Christmas as you consider the true meaning of the Lord's birth.
Produced by Sean Fielder and Pastor Jerry Smith
Photos-Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) by Reinier, Red Turtle Dove by Nikhil, Spanish Sparrow (Passer hispaniolensis) by Nikhil Devasar, Chickens and Roosters by Maji, Brown-necked Raven, Israel
Welcome to a new series of blog posts entitled Real Men are Kind.
I believe that if you asked most men "Do you Love your wife?" they would immediately answer "Yes!" However, I believe that if you ask those same men "Are you kind to your wife?" they would answer "well...."
Kindness is not easy. For most of us it does not come naturally. We have to work at it. I think that we (husbands) often assume that we are being kind when in reality our wives would tell a different story.
So, my goal in this series is to offer tips to help you show kindness to your wife. Anybody can be mean and ornery. Be a real man. Be kind.
Tip #1
Wash the Dishes - At my house there are many things that I can't do because I would only make things worse. I can't decorate - because my wife would have to come behind me and fix it. I can't organize my wife's papers or files because she would never find them. I can't fix my daughters' hair - it would only make it more difficult for my wife. But, there is one thing I can't mess up. I can clean the dishes. I know how to wash them. I know which things can go in the dishwasher and which things have to be washed by hand. I know where things go when they are clean. So, there is no excuse for me to not help with the dishes. The problem is that I don't always feel like doing the dishes. But, I've learned that washing the dishes is an act of kindness that communicates to my wife that I love her. It is a small thing to do that makes a powerful statement.
I thought it would be interesting to find out about what birds Mary and Joseph might have seen on their journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register for the census.
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. (Luke 2:1-5 NKJV)
After several hours searching the internet, I still do not have a clear list of the birds in that area. Here, in America, you can find a bird list of about every park or area around. In Jerusalem, 10 kilometers or 6 miles from Bethlehem, I couldn't find any lists. In Bethlehem, which is now in the West Bank, no list were found. Birds do not care about the political boundaries. The quote below from the Jerusalem Bird Observatory was the best clue obtained. The lists for all the birds of Israel (over 500) can be found, but not for this specific area.
"Moving to central Israel, the Jerusalem region, though more famous for its religious and historical sites, can be interesting for birdwatchers too, with temperate wooded and rocky slopes to the west and the arid Judean Desert to the east. Typical forest birds, many also common in town parks and gardens, include blue jays, Syrian woodpeckers, several types of warblers and doves, song thrushes, assorted shrikes, blackbirds, robins, hoopoes, sunbirds, bulbuls, kestrels, hobbies, chukars and Scops and barn owls. Lovely areas for hiking and birdwatching include the forested mountainous area just south and west of Jerusalem around villages such as Nes Harim, Ora and Sataf, and forested areas further south near the town of Beit Shemesh and the Beit Guvrin archaeological park.
The Jerusalem Bird Observatory (JBO) is located in the landscaped gardens between the Knesset (Israel`s parliament) and the Supreme Court, though you need to bring ID and be patient with security searches. The JBO holds guided birding walks in English every Monday afternoon and does ringing there too. The Israeli capital is also home to prime nesting sites for the endangered lesser kestrel. The Musrara neighbourhood in particular is home to several nests and the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI) occasionally arranges walking tours of the area." From Fatbirder
In the list above, the birds bolded, are in the bird families mentioned in the Bible. There are 532 birds listed in the Israel Checklist of which 110 are residents and most of the others are winter visitors, having migrated there from elsewhere. Of the residents, there are 4 Doves - Rock Dove (Rock Pigeon) , Eurasian Collared Dove, Laughing Dove, and the Namaqua Dove. The Eurasian Hoopoe and Barn Owls are also residents. The Quail family includes the Chukar and two other residents, the Black Francolin and the Sand Partridge.
It is realized in over 2,000 years, the birds have changed within their "kinds", but these photos, may give an indication of what Mary and Joseph may have seen on their journey and in the place where the Lord Jesus Christ was born and lain in a manger.
So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:6-7 NKJV)
May the Lord bless you during the Christmas celebrations of the Birth of Our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Creator of the world. The Gospel Message.
Photos top to bottom - Laughing Dove by Nikhil, Western Barn Owl by Dave's BirdingPix, Eurasian Hoopoe by Ian, Chukar Partridge (Alectoris chukar) by Ian
The preparation are done, now the actual day is here. Lil was giving instructions, the singers and Sean were rehearsing, the registrations begin and so does the shopping and activities outdoors.
We had an interesting thing happen at the church this past week. A gentleman stopped by the church office from the US Census Bureau. He asked if we would help spread the word that the US Census Bureau is looking to hire 1200 people in Polk County. They need these people to help take the 2010 US Census.
So, that's what we are doing. You will start seeing posters and flyers in the church foyer. Also, you can visit their website to get more information. If you need a job, here's an opportunity for some temporary work.
Camp Gilead will be hosting a men's retreat on January 29-30, 2010. We are hoping to have a large group of men from FBC attend this retreat.
What is the Topic of the Retreat?
The goal of this conference is to encourage men to live a life that God intends for us. Keynote Speaker Pastor Peter Hubbard will be speaking on the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus began His preaching ministry with this theme: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Jesus went on to explain how we are to live our lives in light of His return.
Who is the Keynote Speaker?
Peter Hubbard is the Teaching Pastor at North Hills Community Church in Greenville, South Carolina. Peter began serving as the teaching pastor of North Hills in 1992. He has two Masters degrees and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree in Pastoral Counseling. He primarily preaches and teaches, but is also involved in counseling and other facets of leadership. He and his wife Karen have four children: Kai, Cami, Connor, and Keaton. He enjoys coaching their soccer teams and reading. Peter and Karen enjoy running together.
Who is Invited?
This conference is designed for men only. All men ages 13 and up are invited to attend.
What is the Cost?
The cost to attend this conference is determined by the type of lodging you desire. The total cost covers all food and lodging.
Tents: $35/person or $65 for a father/son
Cabins: $55/person or $95 for a father/son
Lodge: (Double Occupancy - space is limited and linens are provided): $75/person or $125 for a father/son
What Should I Bring?
Conference attendees staying in the cabins will need to bring his own towels and bedding. Cabins feature bunk beds, air conditioning, and restroom facilities.
What is the Schedule?
The retreat will begin with supper on Friday, January 29th, at 6:30pm and will conclude with supper on Saturday, January 30th, which is scheduled for 5:30pm.
How do I register?
Look for Registration brochures in the church foyer in the near future. See Stephen Simpson if you have any questions.
Everyone was busy getting things ready for either the Free Shopping day tomorrow or for the Cantata coming up. Here are some photos from today (12/11/09)
So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:6-7 NKJV)
Words: Unknown author, 12th Century; translated from French to English by an anonymous translator.
Music: Orientis Partibus, medieval French melody
Jesus, our Brother, strong and good,
Was humbly born in a stable rude,
And the friendly beasts around Him stood,
Jesus, our Brother, strong and good.
“I,” said the donkey, shaggy and brown,
“I carried His mother uphill and down,
I carried His mother to Bethlehem town;
I,” said the donkey, shaggy and brown.
“I,” said the cow, all white and red,
“I gave Him my manger for His bed,
I gave Him hay to pillow His head;
I,” said the cow, all white and red.
“I,” said the sheep with curly horn,
“I gave Him my wool for His blanket warm,
He wore my coat on Christmas morn;
I,” said the sheep with curly horn.
“I,” said the dove, from the rafters high,
“I cooed Him to sleep that He should not cry,
We cooed Him to sleep, my mate and I;
I,” said the dove, from the rafters high.
Thus all the beasts, by some good spell,
In the stable dark were glad to tell
Of the gifts they gave Emmanuel,
The gifts they gave Emmanuel.
Subject: IT IS OPENED!!
Date: Sunday, December 6, 2009, 1:06 PM
Dear Prayer Partners,
The Christian Bookstore in Avigliana Italy "Non Solo Libri" is officially opened! It happened yesterday after much hard work and many long hours!
What a blessing it is to see this store become a reality and to become another arm of the the Lighthouse Church that God has planted in this town. From when the Lord blessed us with finances to buy the location, not even 10 years ago, to see what He has done in these years is just incredible when we think about it! All we can say is that the Lord is Good and is to be praised!
We have been praying that this would be a real great open door to evangelize and to be able to make more contacts in our town and to have more of an opportunity to have an impact here.
In fact one of the very first customers that came in yesterday morning, was a lady that lives behind us. She came in to see what was going on. She said that she has been accepting our calendars that we give out each year in the piazza and she really enjoys reading them. She also shared that she watches our folks come in an out the church every Sunday with their "package" under their arms. Lori said to her that they are their Bibles that each one carries. That is important that we read it and study it.
She also said that she was struck by the faithfulness of our group that comes to church every Sunday and how united we were and how she wishes that she could be more like that because in her "religion" they are not that way. That is when Lori said to her that we had been catholics for many years and she shared a bit of her testimony with her. The lady then shared how she had lost her son at 41 with a tumor and that she was now alone. Coming into the store she said that she sensed something different and asked if it would be OK if she could come back some time to visit and talk with us some more. To which we said that she was more than welcome to come and talk with us any time!!
Isn't it something how the Lord gave us, one of the very first people to come in to the store, the opportunity to share who He is. This is the whole purpose of having it open. Our prayer is that this place becomes a refuge to those who are seeking the truth.
Our prayer is NOT FOR SALES BUT FOR SOULS!!!
Thanks to some of you this place has become a reality. We are still walking by faith with the set up expenses but know that the Lord will provide in some way. If you would like to help out you can send your gifts to our Bookstore account at ABWE, account number 0755033 Jim and Lori Spoto.
We have attached some pictures for you so that you can see what has been done. We tried to take them from every angle so that you could get an idea of what it looks like inside and out. The mural on the back wall with the lighthouse and the books coming out was done by our co-worker's, Melissa, friend who is an artist. We have a corner where the customers can listen to CDs, so they can choose to buy them. We are still missing the two seat couch and also the rug in the lounge area as well as the coffee machine. Once that all gets done it is going to be a great place to read and have a coffee.
One lady who came in yesterday even said that it was much more than just a warm place, that there was a different atmosphere she could feel being in there! What a testimony! We even had one couple come from the other side of Torino to buy because they said that it was easier for them to come to us than go into Torino to buy!
So continue to pray for this ministry and all the volunteers that the Lord has provided for us along with our co-worker Carol McCaffery.
Lord bless you and to God be all the glory!!
In Christ,
Jim, Lori and Jonathan!
"those from Italy greet you!" Heb. 13:24
Prayers to the Lord for more souls to be saved and to raise up leaders as they work to get the church planted and turn it over to Italian leadership.
The town has finished the work on the pedestrian area in front of their store. There are benches, plants & trees, and people hanging around everywhere. It has almost become the center of town right in front of the place God gave them 9 years ago.
They had the calendar distribution on December 3rd.
The bookstore is opening up on December 5th. They are in need of around $6,000 to pay off this project. Pray for many opportunities to share the gospel in their town.
The Christmas program is December 12th.
They had a 3 day conference on Creation/Evolution in October and it went well.
They recently had a Saturday evening two hour conference on “The Fertile Soil”. The overriding theme was getting the children as they grow into ministries of being mentored and mentoring others and being used in the church.
They also had their third lesson on the Inductive Bible study method. They have 18 students attending the course every two weeks on Saturday afternoon.
In God will I trust, though my counselors say, O flee as a bird to your mountain away;
The wicked are strong and the righteous are weak,
Foundations are shaken, yet God will I seek.
The Lord in His temple shall ever abide,
His throne is eternal, whatever betide;
The children of men He beholds from on high,
The wicked to punish, the righteous to try.
The Lord is most righteous, the Lord loves the right,
The evil He hates and will surely requite;
The wicked His anger will drive from their place,
The upright in rapture shall gaze on His face.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible says of Psalms 11:1
"In the Lord put I my trust: how say ye - Some of David’s friends seem to have given him this advice when they saw Saul bent on his destruction: “Flee as a bird to your mountain;” you have not a moment to lose; your ruin is determined; escape for your life; get off as swiftly as possible to the hill-country, to some of those inaccessible fortresses best known to yourself; and hide yourself there from the cruelty of Saul. To which advice he answers, “In the Lord put I my trust,” shall I act as if I were conscious of evil, and that my wicked deeds were likely to be discovered? Or shall I act as one who believes he is forsaken of the protection of the Almighty? No: I put my trust in him, and I am sure I shall never be confounded."
From the Life Application Study Bible:
"David was forced to flee for safety several times. Being God's anointed king did not make him immune to injustice and hatred from others. He may have written this psalm when he was being hunted by Saul (1 Samuel 18-31) or during the days of Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 15-18). In both instances, David fled, but not as if all was lost. He knew God was in control. While David wisely avoided trouble, he did not fearfully run away from his troubles.
David seems to be speaking to those who are advising him to run from his enemies. David's faith contrasts dramatically with the fear of the advisers who tell him to flee. Faith in God keeps us from losing hope and helps us resist fear. David's advisers were afraid because they saw only frightening circumstances and crumbling foundations. David was comforted and optimistic because he knew God was greater than anything his enemies could bring against him (Psalms 7:10; Psalms 16:1; Psalms 31:2-3)."
Thankful for Jared’s safe return to the States last Monday.
Praising the Lord for the report given by Jared on Sunday night. His love for the people of Brazil was evident.
Continue to pray for the process in getting his permanent visa.
Pray for the sale of the camp property. They have a buyer ready, but they need the area released from a green zone for him to purchase. Pray for the Lord’s will and His timing.
If the property is sold, pray for wisdom as they look for another location. They will be seeking a rural area so they can add more activities, like horse back riding. Pray for John & Jeff as they look for location.
Jared has been attending a small church that is seeing growth. They are running 60 – 70 people for the services. Pray God will use this church in the community for His glory!
On the camp ground Jared cleaned up leaves & trees, fixed the gate and helped clean and prepare the camp for retreats. Pray as he waits for the time when he can return to Brazil.
Missionary: Jonathan and Jenny Reiner
Board- BMM - Brazil
That they would be able to start building in Intermares when God allows. They are waiting on some documents needed for the building permit.
Thankful for more open doors for sharing the gospel and new friendships being made. Pray for the salvation of the following people: Dr. Pasi & Dr. Marjatta, Fred & Marcia, Dr. Ernesto & Paula, Alexandre & Simone, Rivaldo & Eliane, Cicera, Veldemar & Vanita.
Pray for the sale of the camp if this is God’s will.
That God would use them as He wishes at the Cristo Church as interim pastor.
